Story Tags

The Dante Club cover

Mysteries Featuring Famous Authors

Authors aren't always confined to being behind the scenes of a mystery. Sometimes they take center stage as the sleuth. Check out these historical mysteries that feature well-known authors as the amateur detectives intent on solving murders instead of writing about them.

Heir to the Duke cover

Fall in Love with a Rogue or a Noble (or Both)

Historical romance is one of the largest and most popular romance subgenres. Check out one of these novels to get your fix of rogues, dukes, princes and the women who capture their hearts.   

Image of Pachinko book cover

Set in Japan

As a group, these novels do not have one thing in common, other than all being set in Japan. Most, but not all, were written by Japanese authors. Most, but not all, were written in the 20th century. Most, but not all, are narrated by a female character. All of them are commendable though, and I learned something about Japanese history or culture from each one.

A Perfectly Unhaunted Place book cover

Spooky stories to read around an autumn campfire

(or under a blanket fort with a flashlight)

As the leaves begin to yellow at the edges and the wind begins to blow a little cooler, it becomes the perfect time of year to settle in with a good ghost story. If you're taking an early fall camping trip, be sure to tote along one of these haunting middle grade books (grades 3-7) to pass the time. Or just read them at home with a flashlight under the covers--as long as you don't stay up too late.

Are You Sleeping

BOO!ks

A Halloween Prep Course of Eerie Reads

What pairs well with pumpkin spice lattes? Spooky reads to get you in the mood for Halloween, of course! From slightly scary to totally terrifying, these recent titles should prove just as hair-raising as any old Stephen King or Lovecraft story, and earn their place amongst those hallowed masters of the macabre. Are You Sleeping by Kathleen Barber

Fever 1793

History Meets Fiction

Great Historical Fiction for ages 9-14

The DC Public Library and the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History have teamed up to highlight some great novels all about American history! As we head back into the school year, dive into some great historical fiction and hear a new perspective throughout different periods in American history.

Stranger Tides

Take to the Seas!

Nautical Novels & Nonfiction

They say that the sea is a cruel mistress, harsh and fickle. But she is also alluring, holding a beautiful, spellbinding power over many of us that can define entire lives, communities and even empires. Whether you like to keep a respectful distance from the shore or dive headfirst under the waves, it’s hard to deny the power of a good sea song. Below are a few titles that capture the mystery, danger, and grandeur of the ocean, from heart-wrenching to historical, fact to fantasy.  

We came to America

Kids' American History Reads

In coordination with the Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Read about America with the Smithsonian National Museum of American History! These picture and chapter books are wonderful family reads and are a great tool to help your family develop a sense of home and aspiration for the future of the country. Whether you're a history buff or just avoiding summer slide, these picks will move you, inspire you, and wrap you up in a world that was, so that you can help to decide what the world will become.  Picture Books

The Temple of My Familiar by Alice Walker

Add a Little Magic

Novels with a pinch (and sometimes a cup) of magic

Much like the rich tradition of magical realism across the Caribbean and the Americas, the literary use of magic of all forms in everyday settings is alive and well across the world.

We Kiss Them with Rain cover

Continent Hop from Your Couch

Can’t get away for the summer? Not able to travel internationally this year? Continent hop around the world without leaving your couch with these books set around the world.  

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